Word counting register for typewriters



April 18, 1933- A. E. OSWALD WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet l April 18, 1933. A. E. oswALD 1,904,515

WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed March 50, 1929 8 SheetS-Shee 2 2/A 592 Fig.

April 18, 1933. A. E. oswALD 1,904,515

WORD GOUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS A Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 ril/enfer:

A. E. oswALD WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS April 18, 1933.

Filed' March 3o. 1929 8 Sheets-sheet 4 April 18, 1933. A. E. oswALD WORD GOUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed March 50, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 "N mm u n April 18, 1933. A, E 'OSWALD 1,904,515

WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed March 305 1,929 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 dx @d M April 1s, 1933.

A. E. oSwA| D 1,904,515

WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS April 18, 1933. A; E QSWALD 1,904,515

WORD COUNTING REGISTER FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Apr. 18, 1933 Unirse sra'rss EIJLIO'II FISHER COMPANY, OENEWYOR-K, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE woRDfCoUNrING REGISTER ron rvrnwnr'rnns Application filed March 30, 1929. Serial No. 351,213.

The invention relates to electrically operated 'word-counting devices' used in connection' with typewriting machines'. The obiect vvis to 'count thewords written,

' 5 'and display the total. The words are counted preferably in a manner` to comply with the prevalent ruling in speed-contests, which requiresthat a certain number of strokes, re` gardless vwhether they be type orspace bar D strokes,- shall vbe deemed to constitute the length' oit an' average word. There have been used standard work-sheetblanks bearing marginal markings indicating the number of words up to each full line, such markings being based on the experience that, say, tive standard letter-spaces will, on the average, be equivalent to one word written. In supplementing sucheXpedient/s, the counter will register five strokes as one word. The counter is electrically operated and includes an array of large dials actuated from the typewriter-key depressions through relay effect, said dials being large enough to display numbers visible from a distance and thus advertising the speed ot the contestant.

Relay means may include a strokesdevice for converting the continuous sequence of typewriter-key strokes into periodical actuations of said dials, whereby the period or interval represents the number of strokes which is assumed to constitute the average word. f 'l A novel contact-device upon the typewriter sends an electrical impulse to the counter in- "d discriminately at every type and space bar stroke. Every stroke reflects in the strokesdevice ot' the counter, which is designed to respond to rapid typewriter-strokes. The oiiice of the strokes-device is to divide a U continuous sequence ot strokes into intervals,

each interval including a fixed number of strokes representing the length of a Word to be registered in the counter. In other Words, the strokes-device accumulates a fixed number of typewriter-strokes, and at the end of each such period Icauses the dials to register a word.v lThe tstrokes-deviceat the end of each cycle or .period will trip a relay-switch to advance the dials. Other relayed currents may serve to carry over movement from one dial to thefdial of the next higher order.

lit-is a feature of the construction that the -dialsin the preterredgfornr of rings, while large enough for -impressive display, may

house substantially the whole actuatingI mechanism of the counter. By thus utilizing tlie'spacewithin said rings, the counter may form a convenient unit.

There is provideda friction drive for the dials, whereby vfriction-rollers motor-driven through the intermediary of brake-devices are constantly tending to rotate the dials, which latter are controlled in their stepwise movement by certain electromagnetically operated escapement-inechanism- Arrangement is made for electric relay means to carry over the movement from dial to dial.

Other features regarding the operation of sai-d dials lie in a mechanism including a push-button or handle for automatically re-' turning the dials to zero position.

Features are found in the construction of the strokes-device7 which constitute an escapementdevice. An ,escalpement-wheel tends to rotate' under the continuous tension' of a slightly energized motorlierein called the. strokes-motor. In addition to a driving motor for said dials, the strokes-motor renders the counter fully automatic, eliminating completely any manipulation in the normal operation thereof. Through a shockabsorbing friction-devlce the strokes-motor is vallowed tostepwise advance the escapenient wheel, while an cscapement-rocker or 1 ALFRED n OSWALD, oF HACKENSACK, NEW massi nssrenoia To UNnnawooD- relay-switch is to be tripped to count a word in the dials.

A novel contact-device is mounted upon the typewriter' to transmit every typewriterstrolze to the counter. The contact-device in- ,cludes important features in itself which depression.

make for snappy and reliable operation, and has the inherent quality of not impairing to the slightest amount of touch of the typewriter.

Other features: areY foundfin the 'manner of assembling, combining" and manufacturing the elements of the counter.

l Other features and,Aadvaiittagifpsl will. hereinafter appear. In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 shows a. general perspective of an encased word-counter with' parts vbroken away to display the interiorarrangement-J of the counter.

wood typewriter, showingthe necessary elements for loperating the' key-controlled electrical contact-'device 2provided upon the ma- Figure 3 .is a detail`I view taken from Figure 2, showing 'the entactsfas' normally open. Figure 4A is' 'af' -similarfldeta'ih showing the contacts "closed, as

upon l al typewriter-key l"Figure '5 is ,a detail-perspective,- showing `the driving motor 'and thefstrokes-device of the counter as anas's'embly'unit,

Figure 6 is a' detaily taken from Figure, showing the main relay-switch has controlled by the"fstrokes-devicemi 'Figure 7 is'a'view upon the'left-hand side 'of lthe counter, particularly displaying the power-drive for the 'dials-and showing detachable cable-connections as involved in the wiring system in the counter.

Figure 8 is aview lupon the right-hand side of 'the counter, displaying more clearly escap'ement-mechanisms arranged within the dials, and `also showing a group of detachable cable-connections similar to those in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a plan view taken upon the line 9-9 of Figure?. f

Figure 10 is a vsimilar plan view taken upon the 'line 10-10 of saidfFigure 7.

Figure 11 is a detail of a resiliently-mounted guiding roller taken from Figure 7.

Figure 12 is askeleton view, showing more clearly ythe operation of the dials by the friction-rollers, and showing the Zero-setting mechanism for the dials.

Figure 1 3is similar to Figure 12, showing the zero-setting mechanism for the dials in operation.

, Figure 14 is a wiring diagram showing the electrical arrangement.

Figure 15 is a perspective detail of special contact springs or .relays serving to carry bracket 25, is mounted upon the machineframeI ,andA connected with the well-known eseapement-wheel 26 to be controlled for linespace movement yof Vvthe v"carriage by the ,.,escapement-dogs27 and 28 at every depression of a type-key 29 'or of the letter-space bar30 The depression of a type-key will, through key-levers 31 and a bell-crank 32, vcause a type-bar 33 to hit said platen for printing a letter and simultaneously `tovhita universal bar34. The universal bary will vibrate the escapement-dogs 27, 28 through arms 35 and Ya rocker-framel 36 alternately into engagement with said escapement-wheel 26 and al- -low theplaten-carriageto proceed by letterspaces, said carriagebeing urged'by the pull from '-theusual spring-drum 37 and a drawband 38. `When using the letter-space bar 30, depression thereof willeause a 'space-'bar Vlever 39 to hit alow'erextension 40 upon said ,rocker-frame 36, and: to vibrate the same for letter-spacing in the manner described. The y-escapement-dog127 which is pivoted at 41 upon the associated escapement-dog 28, normally engages upon a tooth 42 of the bescapement-wheel 26 to hold the carriage, see Figure Upon depression ofy ia type or space key the dog 28 is vibrated and thereby intercepts the tooth 42, see Figure 4,

while the 'dog'27, now released, snaps past said tooth due to spring-tension 43, and into .a position for engaging upon the neat ollowing tooth 44 when the key-pressure is released vand the dogs swing back to normal position.

In the Underwood machine the elements of Ithe es'capement-mechanism.l from the pinion 24 down to the rocker-frame 36, happen to be mounted unitarily upon said bracket 25.

The vibration of the dog 27 about its pivot 41 is utilized to actua-te a novel electrical contact-device 45 to be mounted upon said bracket 25 and designed to send a primary impulse to the word-counter at every type or 4space bar stroke.

The contact-device 45 constitutes a unit xeasily attachable to a standard Underwood machinev at the rear thereof. This contactdevice will not impair the touch of the niachine while being vibrated by said carriageescapement dogs 27 and 28, in other words, v'ibrated indirectly through the auxiliary power of the spring-drum 37 which ordii 1GO llt narily drives the carriage for letter spacing. The contact-device will respondindiscriminately at every type or spacefbar stroke whenever a type-bar 33-strikes the universal bar 34,

5 and vibrates the dogs alternately intolengagement with the escapement-wheel 26,or whenever the space-bar 'lever' 39 `lvib'rates the rocker-frame `to the same elTect;.-The= con tact-device includes a .bracket46 having bentdown ears 47 to embrace said bracket y25 and having screws 48 .thereon Ito secure the contact-device in'placeg' The bracket 46 .carries at the top a stublshaftll) secured in place by a round nut l50, the stub-shaft at its free end terminating in a crank-armv 51 and-a crankpin 512?, which -latterfex'tendsinto= Contact lwith the escapement-dog 27 :andfis'heldthere- .on by a ltensionspring"52 astenedmpon-said vnut while flexed into a groove 53 thereon, and .anchcujed'` at 54 upon. said fbracket .46. The rear end' of. said stub-shaft, which,l vin fact, is formed by said roundl nut,carriesa linger 55 including a'stem 56 terminatingin a cap. 56a vof non-conducting material,l :as .fh'ard -rubberorthe like.'-` i r y 1 ri.

' The dog 27, vibrating-in awell-known manner about its pivot 4l at 4.every type and space bar stroke", will consequently cause the finger 55 to vibrate. accordingly, and` thus actuate the electrical .switch orv contacts proper, which lare located between two hard rubber blocks 57 andv58 `mounted upon said bracket 46. This switch includes-a fixed 4terminal 59 formed by a screw threaded into the one hard rubber-block'57, .anda spring terminal 60 in the form of a U-shaped lat spring of suitable material, a contact-point 61- of suitable material being indicated at the end of said spring. The spring is mounted by means of a plate Aor clip 62 andlscrews 63 upon the movable wing 64 of a metal hinge, the other wing 65 of said hinge being fastened upon the other hard rubber block 58 by means of a screw-bolt 66, which incidently forms 0 part of this terminal, as can be 'seen from F igure 3, and which may have nuts 67 for the connection of a cable-conductor 68. Due to a light torsion spring 69 coiled around the hinge-bolt 70, said hinge has a tendency to spread open, and thereby to close the switch. Normally it is held in open position b v the actuating finger 55 engaging upon the upwardly-projecting end 7l of the movable hinge-wing and because the dog 27 is nor- 5 mally held engaged upon a tooth of the carriage-escapement wheel 26. As a type-key or the space-bar is depressed, the dogs 27 and 28 will vibrate. It is clear now that upon depression of a key, the actuating finger is swung away from the switch and allows the same to make contact, see Figure 4. Upon releasing a key, the pull of the carriage will return the dog 27 to normal position, and thus also return the switch to normal open 55 position, see Figure 3. lVhile not influenced by the touch of the machine, the contact-device is designed for snap py and precise operation. l

The word-counter is arranged to register two words at every tenth typewriter-stroke, tive strokes to a word being a well established average for ordinary typewriting and an acceptedrule in typewriter-speed contests.

The counter may be compactly housed-in a box the size of about 16X HXLl inches,

and which includes a baseboard 72, a cover 7 3, studs 74: upon .said base-plate to position the cover thereon, and `suitable means (not shown) to secure the cover upon the base. An opening or window in the cover, see Figure l, is large enoughto display a row of numerals 76 provided upon four dials 77, 78, 79, 80, which count the units, tens, .hundreds and I thousands,respectively, i. e., to show up to the fourth decimal order the number oi" words writtenat .the time, said numerals with present dimensions ofthe `counter showingup large enough to be read from a dstance,'while an; upper and a lower -row of Christmas-tree-lamps 80n within the casing may lighten up .the window. 'from within for still better visibility of the numerals. .Reflector plates 8l are provided .to form a vpartition between the lamps and the adjacent dials. Along with the four dials there is provided a plain wheel 81a, i. e., a wheel without numerals, which takes the'part of a fly-wheel to assist .in rotating the relatively heavy dials in a manner to bedescribed.

The boxed counter forms a seltcontaned unit including all the necessary mechanical and electricalequipment, motors, magnets, resistances, as will lhereinafter appear. The

counter will be operative with merely an electrical connection indicated by the plug-connection 82 (see Figure 9) leading. tothe source of power preferably 110 volt D. C. current, and another connection leading t0 the typewriter which imparts the primary impulse to the counter at every type-bar or space-bar stroke, the latter connection being indicated by la plug-connection 84% (see Figure 9) as well as by said cable-conductor 68 (see Figure 2). y

Every type or space bar. stroke sends its impulse to a strokes-device 85 located within the counter and seen best in detail,Figure 5. The strokes-device is anescapementdevice designed to properly respond to every one of a sequence of rapid typewriter-strokes, assuming, for instance, thirteen strokes per second to be a maximum obtainable, and so as to register by means of a main relayswitch 86 every tenth stroke in the. units dial A77 as an equivalent .of two Words written.

The fact that the units dial 77 responds at every tenth stroke'only, will prevent fouling of the counting mechanism, as may occur when rapidly operating a typewriter, owing tol-mechanical: limitations, particularly the inertia o'fvthedialsuj'With thezpresent arrangement, the counter has ample timeV to catch up f with .the typewriter' while' simply counting two wordsat'a time. In yother words, the units-dial 7 7 1 counts in twos, and one revolution `of thedial is equivalentto twentywords to be run into the Iregister. Henceaftenten lwords written, thatlis, 'after eachV half-revolution, this units-dial will run in a -nuuiberf'on ltheadjacent diali78,"which is normally numbered from zero to nine. `All the dials' are f electrically .interconnected by suitable =carry-over mechanism y later on --to be described,V L e -The momentary closing of the typewritercontacts upon fakey-depression starts an impulse' or current to lsaidJstroles-device. Fromthe'source ofpowerior mainsupply line l87 .(see wir-ing ldiagram Figure r14), through a conductor-88 over said-typewritercontacts,afthrough a'connection 89 to a .resistance lamp 9`O,andon;through a conductor 91, the cur-rent energizesIthec solenoid Vof an electromagnet or strokes-magnet3f92 whichhas a I ground-'connectionv 93. This `strokes-magnet forms party off said rfstrokesdevice and has in? parallel 'connection' therewith aV condenser 94 of'a suitable-capacity,-which eliminates sparking at -thecontact points of .the switch, sparks being liable to cause sticking of thefcontact'lzpointor destruction thereof at constant rapid operation. -'lhe condenser is shown to be mounted at the `vrear of the counter, see Figure 1. The electromagnet Yhas a s oftgironl core or'plunger 95 (Figure 9) which -vibrates an escapement-rocker 96 builtin the form of a lightA wire structure and co-operating with an iescapement-wheel 97 which has-a tendency to rotate in the direction'ofthe arrow thereon, Figure 5, said rocker being pivoted upon a post formed by a screw-bolt 99 anchored upon a plate 100 which, in turn, is screwed at 1011upon a wooden supporting structure forming part of the framework of the counter, and including the beams 102 and 103. There is also provided a rigid wooden block 104 to support said electromagnet 92 by means of an angular mounting or clip 105 and screws 106. While the `rocker thus is pivoted for horizontal movement, guided by a! slotted plate 107, supported on posts 108 and 109, said rocker may be rocked by the underlying magnet 92, inasmuch 'as a portion 110 of the escapementrocker reachesA downwardly through an opening 111 in the magnet-core 95. A flexed coilspring 112 forms a simple, flexible connection between said rocker-portion and said core, and will prevent undue p lay in the connection, such as may result in inaccurate operation of the escapement-rocker 96.

Through the electromagnet 92 each impulse from the typewriter vibrates the rocker against spring-tension 112a and thus advances one -full revolution of the escapement-wheel 97 to operate the above-mentioned main relayswitch 86,: see detail Figure v9, in order to actuate the units-dial 77 to register two words written., A' rod or switch-actuator 114 rotates with said escapement-wheel 97, the acf tuatorcamming over an arm 115 of a rockshaft 116, thereby causing another arm 117 upon said rock-shaft to bridge over the ends of-two contact-springs 118, 119.

`The moment oftrippingthe main relayswitchis -indicated in dot and dash, while it is understood that as the rod or actuator 114 travels past said arm 115, the other arm` 117-, by reason of its-mere weight, will drop out of contactffwith the contact-springs -118, 119. The' relay-switch 86 momentarily energize's the `irst one of a row of electromagnets '120, that-is thelone associated with the 'firstor Y'units-dial'77, to advancethe .same Iastep.` `A suitable condenser 121 is connected in parallel with said relay-'switch'86 for purposesthe samefas mentioned above, that is to say, for eliminating electrical ill .eiects when operating the sensitive switch. f

Auxiliary power for rotating said escapement-wheel 97 is furnished by a motor 122. The motor is constantly energized through aweak current coming from the supply line l87. over a .suitable resistance 123 through a conductorf124 over said motor 122 to a ground coi)mection 125 (see wiring diagram Figure Thus the motor represents a potential venergy which constantly tends to rotate said escapement-wheel 97 which, by means of a sleeve 126 integral therewith, its loosely over a motor-shaft 127 and which carries radiating therefrom said rod or switch-actuator 114. The sleeve is connected with the motor-shaft through a friction-clutch or friction-device 128, whichallows for relative slippage be- -tween the sleeve 126 and the motor-shaft, in

order to prevent shocks from `the intermittent movement of the motor-shaft to be carried into the escapement proper, and to insure smooth operation of the strokes-device. Two friction-blocks 129, 130 of the frictiondevice are tensioned upon said sleeve by a torsion spring 131 and have connection with a collar 132 fastened to the motor-shaft by a set-screw 133. The connection is shown as an angular piece of wire 134 with one end portion lodging within said torsion spring 131 and the other end portion engaging in a hole upon lsaid collar 132.

vThe motor will exert its tension upon the escapement-wheel 97 each time the rocker 96 operates, and, since the motor-shaft is allowed to slip relatively to the escapementwheel 97, the moment-um of the armature will be smoothly taken up inthe friction device and not react .on the escapement-mechanism proper. In practical'operation the strokesdevice will be operated in so rapid azsuc- 5 cession that the motor-armature will not come to a dead stop but merely iiuctuate while alternately slipping and feeding. ,Cable connections 136 and 137 for the motor 122 and for the magnet 92, respectively, are shown to terminate in plugs 138 and 13,9.f0r ready disconnectionL and connection tofand from the wiring system of the counter, including resistance lamps 139a such as are arranged in rows at the rear of the counterupon the baseboard 72, and upon a shelf 140 carried on standards 141.

rlfhest1okesdevice,; as, described, has merely electrical connection with'the further working parts ofgthe counter., It is, however, suitably placed within the 'dials for compactness,,together with dri-ving mechanism forzsaid-dials. Rigid framework of the counter rests upon a. felt pad 142, placed uponithe baseboard 72 in v order to subdue., vibrations caused by. Ithe actuating mechanismgof the counten 'The framework closely surrounds the cylindrical surface of the dials 77,'7 8, 79, 80 and the iiywhecl 81a, and is built up of -four corner columns 143, 144,145, 146, each pair of columns connected by beams `147, 148, and 149, 150,said columns furthermore inter.- connected by the beams 151, 152, 153, 154 completing the outlineof an approximately cubic structure. There is, provided `intermediate bracingin the form lof additional columns 155, 156, 157, and additional beams 158, 159. .fr transverse frame 160 includes theelements 161, 162, 163-, 164, forming further part of the rigid structure lof the framework, while asimilar frame 165 includes the members 166, 167, 168, 169, and is arranged to float within said rigid framework. vMovement of the ioating frame is limited in one direction by the stops 170. 171, and in another direction by the frame-elements 167 and 169 being confined between the rigid beams 150, 159 at the top and 158, 149 at thebottom of the general framework. The base plate carries studs 1712- by means of which to locate the cubic framework `when placing the same upon the base plate.

lwo pairs of roller-shafts 172, 173 and 174. 175 ente-ndl within the dials to support the same vfor their rotary movement. The one pair of roller-shafts is journaled in the rigid transverse frame 160, while the other pair is gathered in the floating framef165. Through tension-springs 176, 177 the iioating frame is connected to the rigid framework at each side thereof, and constantly urged outwardly so as to hold all the rollers upon said roller-shafts in proper frictional contact with their dials 7-7, 78, 79, 80 and with C5 the fly-,wheel 81, respectively. The two upper shafts-172, 174 constitute a frictiondrive fonthe dials, with a pair of frictionrollers 178,17 9 to drive each dial, and a pairl of similar friction-rollers 180, 181 to drive theliy-wheel 815. Endwise movement of the shaftslis limited by a sleeve 182 upon each shaft. -Ihetwo .lower shafts 178. and 175 are mounted correspondingly and tted with rollers-183 spaced by sleeves 184, which rollers merely take the'gpart of idlers. These shafts are axially-'confined between end plates 185 screwed upon the supporting elements of fr;amewo-rk-.-4 ',The f upper friction-rollers arespaced-from each other upon their shafts by ineansof plates 187l screwed at` 188 upon onesideffacecf the rollers, and shaped so as to engage in-g'roovesn189 upon said shafts. Theother side face of'each roller, shown clearlyfin Figure 12 andFigure 13, carries a lfriction-device 190 similar lto the one employedjn the. ,above-described strokes-device ?and by means ofwhich-they are connected to their shafts. The deyice-includes blocks -191,.a'torsionspring 193 by which the blocks aretensioned upon the shaft, and as an additional; element, an auxiliary spring 194 by means,I ofwhich to adjust the tension, said spring; coiled around a screw-bolt `195 and held compressed bynuts 196. Each driving friction-roller' for the dials is furthermore equippedwith anarresting pin 197 slidable in bearings ,198l mountedin the one side face of the roller. A. compression-spring 199 coiledv around said `pin 197 normally urges the pin to protrude from the roller for the purpose .of retaining thevroller in idle condition, as said pin rests against one of a row of I escapement-studs 200, v circumferentially provided in agroove 201 upon each dial. The dials in :turn are normally locked by electromagnetically `controlled escapement-rockers 202; while the roller-shafts 1 72 and 174 are constantly. runningagainst the tension ofthe brake-device 190 and driven by a motor 203 through the twin-sprockets 204, 205 fixed upon a motor-shaft 206, andV further through driving chains 207, 208 and large sprocket- Wheels 20,9,210-xed upon the floating ends of said-shafts 172, 174. Chains are chosen as ameans of transmission in order to insure the positive rotation ofthe roller-shafts, particularlythe shaft 174 which floats.

' ,Thet motor 203 draws its power from the mains-supply line 87.-(see wiring diagram Figure 14) over two .resistance-lamps 213, 214, both lamps having parallel connections, whereby provision is made for cutting out one of the lamps by means of contact-springs 215, 216, in order to out down motor-power for purposes to appear.

There is no escapement to hold the flywheel, and the latter therefore is constantly driven by its Vfriction-rollers 180-181,7and will tend tofequalize fluctuations in the drive whenever thedialsare actuated. Through lateral contact with the adjacent dial and through it and successive dia-ls it will tend to accelerate the rotation ofthe dials whenever lthe same are released to run in numbers.

vA set of four guiding-rollers 217, 218, 219, 220 is provided at either'side of the counter. rlihe rollers are pivoted on bearing blocks 221, 222,223, 224 mounted upon the framework and are to insure the dials against undue lateral displacement within the framework, while excessive lateral friction between the vdials is' reduced by lanti-friction rollers 225 as indicated in Figure 1 and Figure 9. rIwo ot' theguiding rollers, i. e., 218 and 220, see Figure 9 and detail Figure 11, may be re'siliently mounted to insure contact with the adjacent faces of the'outer dials. Detail Figure 11 shows the bearing block 222 pivoted at 226 and tensioned by a straight wire'spring 227 which is fastened tosaid block and extends 'downwardly along the respective column` 155 to slidably engage upon a pin 228. y *The driving motor 203, together with the above-mentioned -strokesdevice,' is supported upon said beams 102 and 103,` which in turn rest on cross-pieces`229 at each end, mounted upon ootings 229, said driving motor 203 Vhaving a cable-connection 230 terminating in a plug231 for convenient hook-up to the wiring system of the counter. 'l The strokes-device 85' and the driving motor 203, while compactly housed 'within the dials, may be readily mounted or dismounted by removing the same together with the supporting beams 102, 103 and the cross-pieces 229, as may be seen from Figure 5 and Figure 6. VThere is furthermore provided a third beam 232 centrally arranged `between said beams 102,103 and mounted by means of clips 233 and screws 234. This third beam carries upon its lower side additional relayspring contacts. These contacts are closed, that is, bridged at due times by the dials to function so as to carry a full revolution of a dial over to the dial of the next higher order, as will be presently explained.

AEach of the four dials is controlled for stepwise movement by an electrically-operated escapement-rocker 202, such as mentioned above. The rocker is pivoted at 235 upon a bracket 236 which also carries fastened thereto by a screw 237 the associated electromagnet or solenoid 120. A loose core 239 of the electromagnet has a link-connection 240 with the lower portion of the rocker and vibrates the same whenever the magnet is energized (see dot-and-dash position, Figure 12). By means of said bracket, the electromagnets and their associated rockers are mounted upon a supporting plate 241.l At its upper end each rocker is held by a tension-spring 242 anchored upon said supportinglate at 243, said spring normally urging tli'lwer angular portion of the rocker 202 to intercept one of the escapementstuds r200 of the associated dial. Thus all the dials will be normally held in place against the tendency of the friction-rollers to rotate the same, until a period of teni key-strokes or impulses of the typewriter is completed. Every tenth stroke will, over the strokes-device 85, operate the'main relay-switch 86 and momentarilyestablisha current .coming from the main supply line 87 over a resistance lamp 244, a conductor 245, saidrrelay-switch 86, andi-a1 conductor 246 to the solenoid 120 of the first or units dial 77, to terminate infa groundf connection 2463. V The pulling stroke of the magnet-core is rigidly limited by the rockers 202 abutting against a f latbar'247 rigidly suspended from the supporting plate 241, while normally the rockers rest against' pads 247a upon the supporting plate.

Therocker 202 in releasing an escapementstud 200 will allow the firstdialto be `advanced'by its friction-rollers, and' will intercept 'the lnext following studi,I said studs, ten' in: number, being equally spaced'over the circumference,ffs'o as: to'allow thedi'al to be advanced in" steps, for instance, from Jfour to six, see Figure-1, which means the registering of two wordswritten. f

Y Thefollowing willexplain more clearly the method of carrying over the revolutions of one di'al tothe dial ot the next'higherdenomination.-

' When in the'manner described, a period of ten words hasjbeen'run into 'the first "dial, i. e., a periodequivalent 'to fone-half revolution of said dial, a contact-member upon the dialormed by a wire- 248, connecting two escapement-studs 249, 250 (see Figure 1 5 and wire diagram, 'Figure 114),y willhave come to proximity with a pair of associated carryover, contact-springs 251, and "as the dial enters its next period'upon the second half of the dial, the contact-springs 251 will be mo-A mentarily bridged by contacting with said escapement-studs 249, 250and establish a current fromvlthe main supply line 87, over a conductor=252, through saidl wire 248 and the contact-springsf259, and a conductor 260 over a lamp-resistancef254, to actuate the escapement-magnetwhich serves `the next following dial 78, which is the dial counting the tens and which is to be advanceda step so as to register the ten-words written. It is understood that there' are provided two such wires 248 diametrically opposed upon the irst or units dial, since one-half revolution of the dial forms a period of ten words, and the dial, has a double array of numbers counting 0-'2--4-6-8 only.

In the same manner, another pair ot'contact-springs 255 will be operated after the tens dial has completed one full revolution stepwise running in the numbers from 0g to 9, and will send a current from the same supply line 87 through a conductor 256, aresistance-lamp 257, and a conductor 258to the following' magnet 120 running Kin thefhun,n dreds on medial-'79. vThe last pair offconf tact-springsj251, 'controlled' by said' hun-` dredsludial- 17 9,-'will 'analogously run in the thousands on'the lastdial 80 by sending a current through conductor 253, a resistancelamp 261 and a connection 262, to the last es capement-magnetfall the' escapementemagnets having lcommon the groundfconnection :1 Thecarry-over contact-springs, it is noted, are made up of loops of piano'wire which p rove -to make satisfactory contact while only moderately tensioned so as not to unduly'inm pair the advancement of the dials''t also proves to beI superior /to flat spring-,contacts which are' liable Ito become pitted at-the contactgpoint's while the contact operates rather slowly.:1]n the casefof a flatcontact-,spring consequently fthe springmaterial may break at theeontact points, andeatChing on the escapementestuds x20() Vmay crumple' u'pl and foulithe counting mechanismil All'the cable connectionsy -to'the lca'frryl-o'ver contact-springs are-' gathered in -aLplug-or terminal`264ffor convenienty connection 'to thev wiring :system of the counter.1 In thefsame manner' all the connections to the' electromagnet "120 are joined in a plug 265, (see Figure 8). Y

- It is required that all' the dials be set to zero position at the beginning of each type- Writer-speed-test.' To this end,` a push-rod 266, which may includewa detachable upper portion, may be .depressed to actuate ."Zerosetting mechanism such as will be now 'described. (See Figures 1, 10, 12 and 13.)

'Each dial has rigid therewitha Zero pin 267 projecting inwardly from the. interior surface of the dial. By means of these pins co-operating with a rear metal edge 268 of the aboVe-inentioned supporting plate 241 the dials may be aligned forzero position. The plate 241 is the one which carries the electro-magnets 120 and rockers 202 controlling the dials, and is slidable back and-forth between blocks 269 fastened upon the framework. that is upon the members 161, 166, 168, 163 of the framework, which also serve to limit the movement of said plate The plate 241 is withdrawn from normal-position, Figure 12, to the rear, see Figure 13, as the push'- rod-266, having a knob 271 and guided inV a bracket 272 upon thecolumn 155, rocks an arm 27 3 fixed upon a: rock-shaft 274 journaled in bearing members 275 outside upon `the framework. Said rock-shaft terminates at each end in. a crank-arm 276 which is connected through a link 277 to the slidablevsupporting plate 241, said link 277 formed by two members 278, 279 of flat material rigidly `ioined by slot-and-screw connections 280 such as will permit to vary the length of the link for adjustment. The one end of said linkfis pivotedat 281 within a slit of saidfcrankf' arm 276 while the other end swings about a shoulder-screw 282 threaded into -a socket 283 which is mounted upon the side of said supporting plate 241.

"When operating the zero-setting mechat nism (see Figure l12 and Figure 13),' manual pressure uponthe push-rod 266 withdraws the sliding plateV 241 to the'rear andthereby disengages E'all the'v escapement-rockers 202 from theirrespectiveadials, thus ysetting the driving friction-rollers 178, 179 free to ro.- tate all the dials until they arestopped 'by the zero pinsabutting and'lining up' upon the rear metal edge 268 of said sliding plate, which now interposes in the path of said zero pins: The metal'edge 268, it should be noted, is made of hardened steel innthe form of a blade, and has sufficient resiliency to dampenv shocks from the ZeroWpins abut ting thereon. f f.

` lVh'ile lthe push-rod lis' held depressed against the tension of a spring 284,1attached upon said pivot 281'of said crank-arml 27 6 and anchoredv upon' a bracket 285 .upon the .frames work, all.the"zero `pins have a chance to properly line up upon said metal edge. Upon releasing said push-rod, the plate on its'return to normalwillfree .the .zero pins and cause the rockers 202 to relengage upon the proper escapement-studs 200, i. e., those which means zero7 position' of the dials. i From the operating view, Figure 13, also appears best the purpose of a shieldlate 285a fastened upon the members 161, 1 3 of the framework, see the side views-Figure 7 and Figure 8, and also the purpose'ofthin metal strips 286 fastened on'top of the sliding plate 241 =by screws 287, each ofthese metal strips extending underneath the shieldplate 285a and underneath a pair of associatedfriotion-rollers 178, 179. The object is to thus Ward olf the arresting pins 197 of the friction-rollers and to prevent the pins from interfering with the rockers 202 or their springs 242 when the friction-rollers are actively rotating. For an arresting pin will be pushed in against the tension of the spring 199, as said pin cams over said shieldplate 285a and the metal strips 286, respectively. Extending underneath the righthand friction-roller, see Figure 13, the strip 286 is merely to protect the sliding plate against being scratched o-r worn by the impact of the tip of the arresting pin when the roller is rotating. The resiliency of the pin 197 is furthermore useful in that it prevents the pin from possibly getting jammed and stuck against an escapement-stud 200. Cutouts 288 in the shield-plate 285a provide clearances for the Zero pins 267 when rotating (see dot-and-dash position of a"zero" pin in Figure 10). f

The movement of the sliding 'plate 241 is also'utilized to operate a `switch including the' above-mentioned contact-sprin gs 215, l216 fastened upon theframe-membe'r '163at theder to temporarily cut out apart/'of the power.

supply :to the driving 'm'otor 203, and thus to dampen theshock resultingifrom. the zero pinsfabutting against the metaledge 268. Releasing: the push-,rod will' restore thecontact-and cause themotor to run again under normal power. 1..' .The various operating .groups of theceunll ter-maybeeasily connected -to the wiring system within the counter by flexiblefcable Connections Iterminatingv in plugs, as has .been described, 'and so as toY facilitate assemblingand disassembling thereof: A viewupon the left-hand. side of the conter,fFigure;`7,-shof\vs a2 pole lplug 291 forthe Christmas tree lamps a which'areshownf-toabe :connected in seriesandto have positive and negative. con'- nections 292, 293, ,(see wiring diagram Figure 14) ,and furthermore, the 2.pole plug 231 for the drivingmotor 203- and the 2 .pole plug 138. for the strokes-motor 122. These'three plugs are combined in a common socket 294 secured upon the standard 141 of the lampshelf at the rear of the counter# The right-hand side of the counter, Figure, shows in a similar way a common socket 295 for. a-2rpole plug 296-for the contact-springs 215,216, the 5 pole plug 265 for the escapement-magnets, a 2pole plug-297v for vcontacts 118, -119 ofthe main relay-switch 86, another 4 pole plug 264 for .the-carry-overcontactsprings 251, 255, 259, and the 2 pole `plug 139 for the strokes-magnet 92. The correct connection between all of these plugs and their respective sockets may be insured by means of markings upon the plugs which are to be brought to match with corresponding markings onv the sockets and shown as ar.- rows 298 pointing under diferent angles. All of these plugs are furthermore;indicated in'the wiring diagram, Figure 14, in dot and dash, and so as to show clearly the detachlability of the various operating groups from the Wiring system.

To give visible indication that every stroke upon the typewriter properly reflects in the counter, there may be provided a strokeslamp7 299 flashing up at every type-stroke and mounted in a socket 300 visible on top of the counter-box, see Figure 7. The strokes-lamp is indicated in the wiring diagram as having a positive and a negative connection 301 and 302, respectively. Since the cover lofthe counter-box is detachable,

provision vis made for a cable 302a leading Within the cover from the strokes-light through a hole 303 in the rear wall and down to terminate in a plug 304 which may be connected to a socket 305 fastened upon the baseboard 72, as seen in plan View, Figure 9. Upon said base board there is also shown a socket 306 for connecting the counter with the typewriter, and another socket 307 for 310.y By means of the push-button one may operate the counter without handling the typewriter. Every touch upon the button imparts animpulse to the counter analogously to akey-depression upon the typewriter.

This arrangement may be useful ifortrying f out-the counter or when clearing'the 'same whenever'a speed-contestfis started. 'It may occur-that although the dials arereturne'd to .zerolz position thel strokes-device has not ini'shed'a'periody of ten strokes, in other words, the rod l114 in the strokes-device, whichactuates the main' relay-switch'86, just happens to bein an intermediate position. A few Idepressions upon .the push-button therefore will clear the strokes-device, that is, l

position the same `for beginning a period of ten words in accordance with the zero position'of the units dial. Hence an operator will first clear the ^-st'rokes-device by operating the push-button until the end of a strokes-period is reached, and then clear the whole counter by reducing the dials to zerolpositiou through a depression of the push-rod 266. A 'plain switch 311 lallows the typewriter to -be disconnected from the counter when preliminary writing is to be done before starting a contest on the counter.

With the proper selection of motors, resistances and magnets, the word-counter may be operated on D. C. as well as A. C. current. In Figure 16 are shown the details of an escapement-magnet which is adapted for the use of both kinds of currents. The coils 312 of the solenoid are entirely encased in a metal casing which it is a general practice to use for intensifying the magnetic fluX and which makes for an efficient magnet, said casing-including an interior brass tube 313, disklike endplates 314 and 315, and an exterior shell 316. A stub 317 is fastened upon the bracket 236'and its tightly into said brass ltube so as Ito support the solenoid. All the metal parts which are being permeated by the magnetic fluX are slitted for the wellknown reason of `avoiding losses through turbulent-or irregular currents, which are set up in the surface of these metal parts through the frequency of alternating current, and which are liable to impair the efliciency of the magnet. The rigid stop will prevent the shown: work-sheets magnet-plunger.. from touching the --bottom of the solenoid, that isythe'stub 317, when energized, and .will precludethe possibility of the magnet-plunger being pulled with too great aforce, and also pre'cludethedanger of the plunger getting stuckthrough residual magnetism when ltouching.ibotto'm.-.v With said brass tube not being.I susceptible to the magnet energy, the sliding movement of said plungerwill notl be hindered by magneticfriction'.` Y "-f.- u

In assembling the'elements of the magnet the slitted disk 314 is sprung -overth'e also slitted stub 317 ,and sprung over said stub is also the slitted brass tube313, soasto abut against said disk. A/fter the'solenoid is applied, that is, slipped over the brass tube, the other'disk 315 may fbe sprung over-saidbrass tube as a front closure-piece,- and hereafter the exterior-shell 316 sprung over-,the 'end plates 314, 315, as shown in' thej drawings.

The novel contact-deviceherein described takes into account certain conditions prevailing in typewriter-speedjcontests, as willbe ias officially used in such contests, have marked thereona standard number ofl letter spaces for each 1ine`,\which Aaid infquickly summing up the number of letter-spaces or words written by the operator, and whereby credit is given -to the operator for one letter-space at the end of the line,

n'o matter whether or no-t she hits the spacebar at the end of the line. If therefore the operator has trained herself so as not to hit the space-bar in order to'save time, but to return the carriage right after the last letter hasqbeen written, she may-have an advantage of one word, that is five letters at .every fifth line over the contestant who is used to hitting the space-bar at the end of a line. l It will now be' noted that 'with the novel contact-device the very return of the carriage will count for a stroke, vsince it allows one vibrationof the dog 27, and thus will count for the last letterspace in'accordance with the-oliicial worksheets. While the second contestant, if she really hits the space-bar, will get the deserved credit through an additional count in the .Word-counter.

Variations may be resorted to yWithin the scope o-f the invention, and portions of the improvements maybe used Without others.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: f f

1. In a counter for adding the numberv of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard' machine, the combination of a series ofl indicating dials arranged in adecimal series including a units-dial, all rotatably mounted in denominational order, a series of driving devices to rotate said dials, means including electromagnets, one' for each dial to control said devices to rotate the dials to indicate the numbery of key-strokes, circuits-for the electromagnets, and a device, interpolatedinthe keys of said keyboard to control saidwheels to rotate the dials for indicating the number of key-strokes.

3. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a series of indicating annular dials rotatably mounted in denominational order,y dial-driving means including .a series of friction rollers to bear against the inside of the annular dials to rotate'the same, and means responsiveto the.

lkeys of said keyboard to control said rollers for rotating the dials to indicate the number of key-strokes.

4. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a seriesof indicatlngannular dials rotatably mounted 1n denominational order, a series of friction rollers to bear against the inside of the annular vdials,a plurality of driven shafts, to support said rollers, journaled in said framework to rotate the rollers, and means responsive to -movement of the keys of said keyboard to control said rollers to rotate the dials for indicating the number of key-strokes.

5. Ina counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a series of indicating annular dials rotatably mounted in denominational order, a series of friction rollers to bear against the inside of the annular dials to rotate the same,lan electric motor also mounted within said annular dials, a series of means to rotatably engage the motion with said friction rollers, effective to actuate cach of said rollers, and means, responsive to the keys of said keyboard, to control said rollers to rotate the dials for indicating the number of key-strokes.

6. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a series of rotatable indicating dials, a plurality of series of friction wheels, one series for each` dial, a plurality of rotating supporting shafts upon which said `friction wheels are rotatably mounted, friction devices between the shafts and the wheels to transmit motion to the wheels from the shafts and to permit the wheels to slip on said shafts when the dials are stationary, yresilient means to press the wheels permanently in driving engagement with the dials, mea-ns to yhold the dials immovable, and-means'responsive to the keystrokes of said keyboard, effective to release the holding means to allow the dials to rotate and indicate the total number of key-strokes. 7. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a series of indicating annular dials, driving rollers and idler rolle'rsj` for each dial mounted within and bearing against the saine to holdthe dials in position, resilient means to spread the rollers apart` to force, them against the inside of the dials, saiddials and'rollers being normally inactive, a power drive to "rotate the dialsl to indicate the total number of key.- strokes, and means controlled by the keystrokes of said keyboard to initiate the movementofsaiddia A .8'. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes yof an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a plurality of indicating dials arranged in a decimal series, a series of rotating means, one foreach dial,

lincluding an electric circuit responsive .to

key-strokes to control the rotation of one of the dials, electric contacts, and electrically.- actuated rotation-controlling devices associated with the dials to control said rotating means, 'operation of each of said rotationcontrolling devices being initiated by the contacts ofthe next lower dial in the series, and a stroke-grouping device interpolated in said circuit to control the rotation-controlling lmeans of the first dial in the series, to index that dial after each group of a predetermined number of key-strokes.

9. In a counter for adding the number of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a plurality of indicating dials arranged in a decimal series, a

series of4 driving means to rotate the dials,

a series of electric controls therefor, one for each dial, a contact-maker actuated by each dial, effective to initiate the operation of the control of the dial next higher in the series, and a stroke-grouping device responsive to key-strokes of said keyboard, including an electric circuit4 connected tothe electric control of the first dial in the series, to control the latter to index after each group of a predetermined number of key-strokes.

10. In a counter for adding the number of groups of key-strokes of an alphabetical keyboard machine, the combination of a series of indicating dials rotatably mounted in a decimal series, a series of driving devices to rotate said dials, and a mechanism for grouping the key-strokes responsive to the keyboard, to control said devices, including means responsive to a predeterminednumber of key-strokes and means 'actuated thereby operation of said devices. 11. In a counter for adding the number of after said strokes to. initiate anv indexing `key-strokes of analphabetieal fkeyboard machine, the combination of-a-series of intermittently rotatable members having numerical indications thereonpan additionallsimilar member Qhaving nolindications and effective for continuous rotation, to act as a fly-wheel,

means tending to rotate all ofthe members concomitantly, means releasably detenting the intermittently rotatable :members from rotating, andlmeans controlled by the keyboard for releasing the members and permitting them to rotate and index the total number of key-strokes; f

12;"II`1'a counter for adding the number of key-strokes 'of an alphabeticalkeyboard machine, the combination of a plurality of indicatingannuli arranged in aidecimal series,

a power driveincluding a shaft extending lthrough said annuli, said shaft carrying friction rollers each bearing against the inner surfaceof ani annulus and tending to rotate the annuli, permanently engaged by# said f power drive, intoZ each :of a plurality of numerical positions including zero-position'to indicate the numberifv key-strokes, ra detent for each annulus to retain it in indexed position, and means effective to release all of said "f detents simultaneously, to initiate a return movement ofall of said annuli'at will to the zero-position.

13. A counter comprising a series of de,

nominational annuli each annulus being supported solely on its-inner; annular surface, and annuli operating means `one for each annulus vwithin vthe inner periphery of the annuli having friction surfaces contacting with I the interior of the annuli, a motor for operat- 3 ing said-means and denominational carrying means between successive denominational annuli for transferring from a lower to the next higher denomination.

14. A counter comprising a series of de-l 3 nominational annuli, and continuously revoluble friction means on the interior peripheries ofthe annuli for operating the annuli a motor for operating said means and de-f4 nommatlonal carrymg means between successive denominational annuli for transferring from a lower to the next higher denomination. 15. A counter comprlsmg denominatlonal l annuli and a flywheel annulus, means for continuously voperating the flywheel annulus,

annuli and denominational carrying means actuable to periodically release and then' arrest the annuli to transfer from a lower to the next higher annulus.

17. A counter comprising a series of denominational annul, revolving means on the interior of each annulus in frictional relation therewith to constantly urge its rotation and denominational carrying means actuable to periodically release and then stop the rotation of each annulus independently of the operation of the other annuli to transfer from a lower to the next higher annulus.

18. A counter comprising annular rings with open central portions and operating friction rollers in the open portions for engaging the interior peripheries of said rings, means to continuously urge the rotation of the rollers and denominational carrying means actuable for releasing and then arresting the rotation of the rings to transfer Afrom a lower to the next higher annulus.

ALFRED E. OSWALDe 

